We couldn't be happier

August 15th AM
Today is our first full day with Sophie and we are having a great time! Sophie, Steve and Katie slept throughout the night but Anne was too excited to really get much sleep. It was all she could do to not wake Sophie up to play early this morning. After we all got up and ready we ate breakfast. We were happy to find out that Sophia is used to feeding herself and she likes potatoes and watermelon. She also likes spoons and is trying to get in on the feeding action.

Next decided to do a little shopping before it got too hot. Evidently, there is no "before it gets too hot" time here in Chongqing and we were sweating just walking to the the stores two blocks away. The area of Chongqing that we are in is more of a mix old and new with six foot wide tailor stalls and snack shops across the street from million dollar high rise offices. We shopped in the state run bookstore and an up-scale department store. We purchased a few Chinese-English books for Sophie, a martial arts book for Steve and a sippy cup for the baby. While we were walking Sophie fell asleep. What a doll.

Since we are in a less cosmopolitan area than Beijing, we are getting a lot of looks and a few questions. Saying hello always seems to break the ice, especially with the kids, since it gives them a chance to try out their English.

Sophia did not stay asleep when we got back and so it was blog and play time. We took turns playing with her on the floor and have begun to see smiles and hear her beautiful voice. Of course, everything new is very interesting. She is already very attached to Anne and wants to know where she is at all times.

We feel very fortunate to have Sophia in our lives. Every family joined through adoption always feel like their child is the best. I can certainly say we know we have the best child. We are starting to be able to figure out when she is tired or hungry. She lets us know when she wants something. She is so much fun to play with and hold. I never want to let her go.

Sophia is a doll

August 14

We got to our hotel at about 2:00 PM and no sooner got off the bus when our babies came in the lobby. They were probably waiting for us to arrive. Steve recognized Sophia right away and I riffled through my carry on to find the video camera.

They handed Sophia to me (Anne) She cried a little bit but settled down quickly. Katie then had a chance to hold her and finally Steve. She cried a little every time she was passed off but settled in quickly. We brought her back to the room and gave her a bottle which she drank very quickly.

Then Anne took a bath with her. She loved the water. Katie joined the bath and all the girls had fun. She played with Katlyn, Heather and Todd's daughter. She is in my lap now as I type. She is reaching for the keys and every now and then types a few letters. Steve is doing paperwork.

She has a bit of a cold so we gave her the antibiotics the doctor gave us. We will write more later once we settle in. We just wanted to let you know that she is beautiful. We are in love and she is quite content.

-A Note From Katie
WOW! Where should I start?She is really cute, and she loves water. We should get along well...
She has already made some friends,taken a bath, had a bottle (two, actually), played with some toys, and almost took a nap.She hasn't cried much, though. All of the babies are adorable, but little Sophie is the cutest! Well, Anne said to stop typing,so I will. If you have comments to me,
Write for Katie please. Thanks!